Soon-to-be world number one Serena Williams should know by year's end whether she will be barred rom the Australian Open over her outburst at the US Open, the WTA's chief executive said on Saturday.

Soon-to-be world number one Serena Williams should know by year's end whether she will be barred rom the Australian Open over her outburst at the US Open, the WTA's chief executive said on Saturday.

The result of an International Tennis Federation probe was likely to be known in the coming months, Stacey Allaster told a press conference today on the sidelines of the China Open.

Williams drew a USD 10,000 fine in Flushing Meadows for her verbal assault of a female line judge after she called a foot fault at a key point in a semi-final loss against eventual champion Kim Clijsters.

"It is under investigation. It is ongoing," said Allaster, who took over from Larry Scott during the summer. "It would be safe to assume a decision will be taken before year-end.

"Serena has acknowledged the incident as a mistake. It's something she's not proud of, and she's apologised for that," said the Canadian.